etsu: 2011-2014

Are Some People Just Not Naturally Monogamist?

In class, we pondered the idea that maybe some people were not meant to only have one partner, and therefore cannot stay faithful in a monogamist relationship. Is this why some people flock to the increasingly popular idea of polygamy or polyamory? For some, polygamy is just a natural way of life that is prominent in their culture. I, myself, could never live a life where my partner has multiple other partners. It peaked my interest to think that living as a polygamist was enjoyable to some people. After watching part of a documentary on polyamory, I came to understand the concept a little more. Polyamory, as I see it, is pretty much a looser version of polygamy in which partners are free to love other people outside of their relationship. I guess if people cannot commit to one person than these open relationships are a better alternative than continually being unfaithful. I believe I am a natural monogamist…but can this be true about everyone?